"They never cease to amaze me," said St. Joseph Hill principal Angela Ferrando, who noted that her students volunteered their own time.

ARROCHAR -- If you look anywhere around the neighborhoods and blocks devastated by Hurricane Sandy, you’ll likely come across one or more “angels from the Hill” — a.k.a. high-school students from St. Joseph Hill Academy.

In the days immediately following the hurricane more than half of the high school’s 400 girls — many accompanied by their parents and siblings — fanned out across Staten Island to help in any way they could.

They came to Miller Field in New Dorp, and to Capodanno Boulevard in Midland Beach, to hand out food and water, to sort through clothing or just offer a smile and words of comfort to victims overcome by Sandy. Some donned gloves and boots and went to work helping families clear debris from flooded homes.

One group of girls delivered 40 pizzas to rescue workers and displaced families. Another group of students helped deliver and serve containers of hot soup.

“They never cease to amaze me,” said high school principal Angela Ferrando, who noted that her students volunteered their own time.

Meanwhile, Sandy families are never far from mind, even during school hours. The 16 high-school homerooms have each “adopted” a Sandy family for the holidays, Mrs. Ferrando reported. The girls collected food and prepared a Thanksgiving meal for families.

“School Spirit Week” — a Hill tradition that usually kicks off the basketball season — will also be devoted to helping hurricane victims. Each grade, from freshmen through seniors, will be collecting specific supplies. Some will be collecting items for infants and toddlers; others will be rounding up items for adults and seniors, and others will being in pet necessities. Donations of batteries and cleaning supplies will also be accepted, Mrs. Ferrando said.

“Every group, every club, every homeroom is going to be doing something. This is not a one-time effort; these people will need help for a long time,” she said.

Hill alumni and elementary-school families are also doing their part to help families displaced by Sandy. At least 30 Hill families and two faculty members were either displaced from their homes completely or suffered significant damage due to flooding.

“Our hope is that we can provide up to $1,000 in pre-paid credit or gift cards to each family,” Mrs. Ferrando said. “We know that this is not much in comparison to what these families must face as they rebuild their homes and lives.”

Hill elementary school principal Dorothy Zissler, said her parents have been doing their part, donating furniture and offering their services as doctors, lawyers and contractors. The elementary school is also collecting and distributing unused school uniforms to families who were flooded out. The school is also refurbishing its old computers to donate to families. And proceeds from the annual Christmas Fair will be donated to families in need.

“School families have taken in other school families left with no homes, and many others have rolled up sleeves and cleaned out debris, washed clothing, and cooked meals for those devastated by the hurricane. It’s heartwarming to see the outreach and the generosity of the Hill community,” Mrs. Zissler said.

For information on how to help or donate, contact the school at 718-447-1374, or check the school website at www.edline.net.